By JULIE MILLER

Staff Writer

More than 420 students, faculty, staff and guests crowded into the Student Center, Main Floor for an Applied and Natural Sciences Day luncheon last Thursday.

The lunch was part of an awards recognition and research symposium, which was held by the College of Applied and Natural Sciences.

"Our college is spaced out in four different buildings, so this is one day when all of the faculty, staff and students can get together," Dr. James Liberatos, interim dean for the College of Applied and Natural Sciences and an associate professor of biological sciences, said.

The day began at 8 a.m. with a poster exhibit followed by oral presentations, which included topics such as "Diverse Learning Styles of Nursing Students" and "Mosquito Control to Reduce Human Disease Risks: Is There An Added Benefit For Animal Populations?"

Dr. William Campbell, an associate dean of graduate studies and research for the College of Applied and Natural Sciences and an associate professor of biological sciences and environmental sciences, said the presentations were by university faculty and students.

"I think there's more awareness on research activities for the college," Campbell said. "We're excited about the kinds of research [that are happening]."

Following the research presentations, guests were treated to a lunch buffet, and the ANS student and faculty awards were given.

"The faculty choose those who most exemplify the faculty's expectations of our graduates," Liberatos said.

Aimee Netherland, a senior family and child studies major, was one of the recipients.

"This year I have worked extensively through the community as activity coordinator as well as a volunteer, and through that, I've had the privilege and opportunity to use the skills I've learned at Tech," Netherland said.

"I've been able to model for other students that our field truly is relevant and we can make a difference in any area of the community that we choose to."

Faculty and staff, as well as graduate students and graduate assistants, were also presented awards.

Patricia Bourgeois, a professor of nursing, won the John D. Griffin Award for Outstanding Professional Service, and Vicki Hogan, retired secretary for Applied and Natural Sciences, won the Debra L. Martin Staff Award.

Rachel Bridges, a freshman biology major, won the $100 prize for the T-shirt design contest. Her design was a light blue background featuring puzzle pieces with each of the department names.

Ray Newbold, a professor of forestry, presented door prizes, including an MP3 player, to guests. The prizes were donated by different organizations in the college.

Newbold said he was very happy with the day's turnout.

Newbold said, "I think it's a great opportunity for students to get some return from their student fees, since this is paid for in part by that."